Douglas C-47 Skytrain
| C-47 Skytrain / Dakota C-53 Skytrooper | |
|---|---|
| C-47 43-30652 "Whiskey 7" at 2014 Duxford D-Day Show | |
| General information | |
| Type | Military transport aircraft |
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Douglas Aircraft Company |
| Status | In service |
| Primary users | United States Army Air Forces |
| Number built | 10,174 |
| History | |
| First flight | 23 December 1941 |
| Developed from | Douglas DC-3 |
| Variants | Douglas XCG-17 Douglas AC-47 Spooky Douglas R4D-8 |
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The Douglas C-47 Skytrain or Dakota (RAF designation) is a military transport aircraft developed from the civilian Douglas DC-3 airliner. It was used extensively by the Allies during World War II. During the war the C-47 was used for troop transport, cargo, paratrooper, for towing gliders and military cargo parachute drops. The C-47 remained in front-line service with various military operators for many years. It was produced in approximately triple the numbers as the larger, much heavier payload Curtiss C-46 Commando, which filled a similar role for the U.S. military.
Approximately 100 countries' armed forces have operated the C-47 with over 60 variants of the aircraft produced. As with the civilian DC-3, the C-47 remains in service, over 80 years after the type's introduction.